ASK IRA: Where in the world is Jimmy Butler?

Q: I think it would've been great if Jimmy Butler had found his way to Miami to get with his fellow Heat teammates for some informal workouts or at least getting to know them just a little, instead of globetrotting. There needs to be bonding, and I think it starts even before training camp, when everybody has to report. I am hoping Butler can somewhat take the place of Dwyane Wade, as far as a leader, mentor and great teammate, that the rest of the players respected and loved, even though off-the-court interests and age didn't make him a peer. I think brotherhood and team bonding had played a large part in the Heat culture, so hopefully it doesn't become Jimmy Butler . . . then the rest of the team. It's up to Butler to make the move, and become one of the guys, while still being their leader. -- Matt, Miami.

A: It truly was a whirlwind with Jimmy. He met with the Heat on June 30 at the start of free agency, signed on July 6, held a media conference call at 11:30 p.m. Eastern that night, and then left for Europe, yet to return to AmericanAirlines Arena. But we also are still six weeks from the start of camp. As long as there is a presence in September, that should be more than enough time for bonding. Now, if he were to walking into the building for the first time on media day, that would be a different story. This, at the moment, would be nothing more than the equivalent of an NFL player getting away for March. The Heat need Jimmy Butler to lead. And leadership includes a degree of bonding beyond the confines of camp. There remains plenty of time for that.

Q: As a Heat fan, I'm excited to see Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow play alongside Jimmy Butler. I hope Tyler Herro will be efficient in his first season. I want Dion Waiters to be consistent in whatever role he plays. He's not going to rescue the Heat. He needs to be more consistent on both ends of the floor. -- Tiffany.

A: The optimal way to maximize court time for Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Dion Waiters would be to play Justise Winslow either at point guard or power forward. If Winslow winds up at the three, then hard decisions will have to be made in the backout. It would be interesting to see the approach by Erik Spoelstra if the choice for quality minutes came down to either Herro or Waiters. It could be, to a degree, similar to the Dolphins' choice between Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Q: Do you agree that Tyler Herro is the best shooter in this rookie class? -- Feth.

A: Pure shooter? Possible not. But the No. 13 pick has to be more than a player who stands in the corner and waits for an occasional shot, more than a specialist. What the Heat need is for Tyler Herro to shoot a quality 3-point percentage among the rookies who are given across-the-board responsibilities.